Live Review: Milky Chance

German indie-folk group Milky Chance surprise us by starting their set a bit earlier than expected and it seems as if they just can't wait to have a jam. They burst out on stage with their infectiously happy tune Clouds and in an instant the feel-good vibes are elevating us high into the sky. 

"A couple of months ago we released our second album, so we're going to play a few of our new songs if you're ok with that?" lead singer Clemens Rehbein proposes. The crowd responds positively with screams of joy. The first five songs are from Blossom and during Firebird, the hall become ablaze in a fiery red and orange light for the uplifting tune.

Rehbein has a striking raspy vocal quality that demonstrates great range among the group's catchy riffs and toe-tapping beats. Their creative and unique arrangements blend dynamic worldly sounds together with a rich and organic feel. Flashed Junk Mind gets us moving with a psychedelic dance, driven by a reggae-infused groove. They get so carried away that by the time the song concludes, Rehbein tells us he's already out of breath and exhausted. He continues to power through by jamming with his band mates as they feed off each other's energy. From behind them, rose gold-plated shower head lights shine out across the hall as their exuberant presence ignites.

Loveland is a pretty long song, so we're encouraged to get cozy with one another. A sea of audience hands soon fill the room and wave around to keep the pace flowing along nicely up to a spectacularly lengthy harmonica solo. "When we got to Australia everyone told us Melbourne was the coolest city in the world. The art, people, music, it's pretty good to be here so thanks for coming!" Rehbein continues to ask for some Thursday nightlife tips before launching into the first single Cocoon, off their second album. He teaches us the "eh-ah, eh-oh" part to sing along for this highlight.

The crowd starts chanting the name of their biggest song Stolen Dance, but before the band plays it, Rehbein teaches us some German. "The word I want to teach you is 'Prost' which means 'cheers'!" We all shout it out and hold up our drinks to extend our good wishes for a big send off, but not before one last boogie. A colourful rainbow illuminates the stage as they farewell us with peace and love.